Korean Air introduces premium economy cabin on retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs

Premium Class will feature eight seats per row in a 2-4-2 configuration, for a total of 40 seats across five rows. The seats provide between 39 and 41 inches of pitch and are 19.5 inches wide, offering about 50% more space than standard economy class seats. Passengers can also expect leg and footrests, ergonomic winged headrests, a recline of up to 130 degrees, and a personal entertainment screen measuring 15.6 inches in ultra-high definition.

Ticket prices for Premium Class are expected to be "generally around 110% of normal economy fares," according to Korean Air. While lounge access is not included with these tickets, travelers will benefit from priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding services.

Catering in Premium Class will be closer in quality to business class than economy offerings. On international flights, meals will include an appetizer, main course, and dessert from the Prestige Class menu served on Armani/Casa tableware.

In addition to introducing Premium Class cabins on select aircraft, Korean Air is also updating other parts of its long-haul fleet interiors by installing new business class 'Prestige Suites 2.0' in a four-abreast layout (1-2-1) and upgrading economy cabins with WiFi availability.

Korean Air was founded in 1969 and is based at Incheon International Airport as part of the SkyTeam alliance under CEO Walter Cho.